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First and foremost is the medium you are utilizing:

1. Check your action, height of strings above the fingerboard, on your mandolin to ensure that it's not uncomfortable to play.
To do this, try pressing your strings down, fretting, to see how much tension there is...if for some reason it's very difficult to press down, have your mandolin set up by a qualified instrument technician. Or, if you have an adjustable bridge, two thumbscrews on your bridge, try turning the screws clockwise to see if it's possible to lower the action yourself. Additionally, if you notice a lot of rattle and buzzing as you're playing, you may also heighten the action by turning these screws counterclockwise.

Notice the two thumbscrews, on the bridges, above that allow you to raise or lower your action.

Some mandolins do not have an adjustable bridge, in this case, your best consideration is to take it to an experienced instrument repair person.

Eye your mando neck down down its edge to determine if your neck might be warped. This could contribute to a high action or buzz and rattle. Additionally, when first starting out, it's highly recommended that you utilize light gauge strings, not heavy or medium. You certainly do not want to become discouraged when first attempting to learn. If your action is abnormally high, or if you're not using light gauge strings, you may find it difficult to be inspired to practice.

2. Make sure you feel comfortable holding your mandolin, especially, if you're determined to practice long hours...It can become discouraging to adhere to a practice schedule if you do not feel comfortable holding and playing your mando. My recommendation is to first learn to play while sitting down...be sure to hold the mando upright...do not let the mando lay in your lap at an angle. When holding the neck, allow it to rest at the bottom of your index finger, and be careful not to let the thumb protrude too far over the neck. Experiment with a footrest to prop up your leg for added support on your mandolin.

When first learning mandolin, you'll be spending most of your time sitting down. Standing up requires a strap...and is usually not down until you're somewhat accomplished and are performing with the mandolin. For now, concentrate on a comfortable sitting position with your mandolin...similat to what's shown above.

3. Find your inspiration...rediscover the reasons you're inspired to learn the mando. Categorize all of your Mandolin CDs that bring you pleasure. Be sure to also get your library of instructional videos and books together...read through all of them and become familiar with the road that's ahead. And, then sit down with your most basic lessons, whether video or book, and methodically go through every detail of preparation.

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